Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has explained his decision to limit the playing time of record signing Georginio Rutter.

Rutter, who was signed from Leeds for £40m in August, started the 4-0 win over Norwich in the FA Cup earlier this month and scored twice at Carrow Road before being substituted after 63 minutes.

The 22-year-old has since been limited to substitute appearances in the last three Premier League matches - scoring against both Ipswich and Manchester United - due to minor muscle problems.

"There have been some small issues with his muscles and therefore we also need to protect his health," Hurzeler said ahead of Saturday's trip to Nottingham Forest.

"I know that it is not always understandable why we choose the starting 11, but there are so many things going on.

"The main thing for me is that I am responsible for the person behind the player, to protect him and protect his health.

"It's not only a decision about performance, especially when young players get injured."

"I think every player has a different profile," Hurzeler said. "He's very athletic. He has a good left foot. He always finds good solutions in one-against-one duels, he always finds a way out.

"He can use his body quite well. He's not only a good finisher, he's also quite good at making assists and finding the free team-mates. I like his profile and I like working with him."